3- To detect excess production of catecholamines:

Diagnostic test for malignancy

The size of the tumor is a good indicator whether a tumor is benign or malignant.

Tumors less than 4.0 cm in size are generally benign. Tumors more than 4.0 cm carry a high risk for malignancy and therefore, need further evaluation, usually by a CT-guided needle biopsy.

Caution: Make sure that a tumor is not a catecholamine producing tumor before doing any biopsy or any other invasive procedure, because it can lead to a catastrophic event if it is a catecholamine producing tumor.